Dream Travel Jobs: Suzy from Beach Escapes

Most people dream of travelling the world for a living. And we admit it: at Flight Centre we’re pretty lucky in that, if we’re not busy travelling for work, we’re getting some incredible globetrotting discounts. But what’s it like to work for a travel retailer you ask? Dream jobber Suzy Faulkner, who heads up the Beach Escapes range of holidays, gives us the inside scoop:

Suzy in Cape Town

So Suzy, how long have you worked for Flight Centre UK?

A whopping 12 years!

Wow, and how has your career progressed in that time?

I started my career as a Consultant in-store and quickly progressed into a leadership position from which I became Team Leader for a number of brands within the Flight Centre family, including Flight Centre Business Travel and Round the World Experts. I was later promoted to be General Manager for one our flagship hyper-stores in High Street Kensington before returning to Round the World Experts as leader of the brand. Now I head up Flight Centre’s new exciting holidays called Beach Escapes.

Suzy at the Grand Canyon, Arizona

What did you do before Flight Centre?

I was a ski rep in France, which was amazing, but I wanted to build a career while still exploring the world, which is why I was attracted to Flight Centre.

What do you love most about your role?

My passion is travel and I’m obsessed with hotels and resorts, so my current role is perfect as I get to search the world for the best beach resorts, which we then team with flights, transfers and exclusive extras and sell as Beach Escapes.

What are Beach Escapes?

They are single destination or twin-centre holidays to the world’s most desirable beach hotel and resorts. We are also expanding the range next year to include Active Escapes, which will include action, adventure and wellness holidays.

If you had to pick one beach in the world, what would it be?

What’s your favourite beach resort you’ve ever stayed at?

How many countries have you visited?

Lots! I’ve been to every continent, except Antarctica… Maybe next year?

What’s your top travel tip?

If you don’t ask you don’t get, so always be polite and ask check-in staff at both airports and hotels for space available upgrades. Often both airlines and hotels overbook (by up to 30%!) and will gratefully upgrade you to keep everyone happy.

Suzy and hubby Barry bike riding in Bali

And where are you jetting off to next?

Bali and Thailand for a work conference, but I’m also tagging a few days extra days onto the end of the trip so I can have a bit of a holiday!

Thanks Suzy! Next month we’ll be catching up with Phil Murray, our very own Editor-in-Chief. Watch this space for more travel job inspiration, or find out how you can join the Flight Centre crew here.

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About Alexandra Gregg

Once a roving local news reporter and now a travel-obsessed writer/sub, I'm head-over-heels for nature, wildlife and the ocean. When I'm not underwater or deploying a snorkel, I'm seeking out the sets of my favourite TV shows around the world. Tweet me @wonderg1rl

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